Magpies keen on defensive duo

Injury-hit Newcastle United have turned their attention to Man City centre-half Richard Dunne, and Aston Villa's former Reading left-back Nicky Shorey. Both players have fallen out of favour at their respective clubs, and the Tyneside club are keen on giving them a second stab at resurrecting their careers.

According to The People, Magpies gaffer Joe Kinnear is an admirer of both players, and with defensive recruitments a top priority this term, the deals could go through sooner than later.

It is understood that a cash offer could tempt Villa boss Martin O'Neill to sell the England International. Newcastle, however only want the left-back on loan until the end of the season.

Richard Dunne was originally targetted by Sam Allardyce when he was in charge of Newcastle in the summer of 2007, but is now prepared to move to St. James' Park after a disastrous season with Manchester City. A fee of £4 million is thought to be enough to pry him away from the Abu Dhabi-owned club.